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Musings updates:

Tales of the Joyferson Aircrash
This past March, I got a phone call from an agent in LA who manages Jefferson Airplane/Starship. I was asked to go on tour with these Psychedelic Rock legends and sing all the vocals for Grace Slick who is no longer touring. Needless to say I was stunned and excited about the proposition. I don't think of myself as a match for the Psychedelic Rock era icons, but I'm never one to pass up any new and interesting opportunities. I did my research to make sure the offer was legitimate and was pleased to find everything to be grounded in reality.

Given I had to bone up on 4 decades of music, I ran out and grabbed every Jefferson Airplane and Starship CD I could find and started my "Grace Slick Understudy 101" homework. I even purchased a Karaoke CD for "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love" so I could practice at top volume while driving in my car (yep, I'm that person in the next car that you laugh at when you're waiting at the stop light).

As is very common in the music industry, after several months of back and forth phone calls with the LA management company, it all fizzled to nothing. I was extremely bummed, to say the least, but with hindsight and time to comfort the blow, I can now sum it up to a big compliment. I'm flattered that the option even crossed my path, regardless of the fact that nothing materialized.

As a consolation prize to myself, I read Jeff Tamarkin's "The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane" and tried to tell myself I was lucky to avoid the drama, chaos, drug issues and other extreme undesirable aspects of the various Jefferson Airplane/Starship sagas. I still would have rather experienced the whirlwind first hand, but for now I'm grateful that this missed opportunity has rewarded me the better option of pursing my own music rather than performing someone else's songs. I find myself repeating the Monty Python mantra…"Always look on the bright side of life."

Travel
I've been here and there and out and about… Some highlights include, Belize, Honduras, and the Grand Cayman islands. I also traveled to California for my brother's wedding. I had some shows in Colorado with the original line-up of JWB. Weekend jaunts to the coast and camping trips have speckled my calendar, too. Life has been good to me.

Creature Comforts
Tiger the 17.8 pound cat decided he needed company, so a little kitty has joined the household. Her name is Apple and NO she is not named after Gwyneth Paltrow's baby! If you saw her next to Tiger you'd think of an apple, too!

Joy's all time favorite movies

Life is Beautiful
Mystery Train
Dancing Outlaw
Shawshank Redemption
Amelie
Billy Elliot
Immortal Beloved
Dancer in the Dark
Fight Club
Silence of the Lambs
Romancing the Stone (cheesy, yes, but loveable)
Hedwig & the Angry Inch

Joy's top all time favorite artists

Van Morrison
Peter Gabriel
Adam Duritz
Led Zeppelin
U2
Live
Nick Drake
Sting
Jeff Buckley
Neil Finn
Dave Mathews
Jane's Addiction
Traffic

Joy's Personal Endorsements...
"I'm Joy Wilson and I approve this message"

SIDESTAR
If ever there was a band that makes me want to drop all of my musical endeavors and dump all of my money, time and energy into another more promising act... It would be SIDESTAR. These guys are the next big thing and I can't wait to say "I told you so!" They have everything it takes to be rockstars, but lack all the cocky BS. Ryan, Aaron, Thad & Ted are so deserving of fame and fortune because their hearts are bigger than their heads and their talent is bigger than both.

Aside from great music, catchy lyrics, magnetic stage charisma and stellar attitudes, these guys are pure eye candy (hubba hubba!)... In technical music industry terms, these fellas are camera ready, radio friendly and 100% marketable! Get out and seem them before their $5 cover charge turns into a $50 concert ticket!

Red Cross
It's been a tradition of mine to have my birthday party and cake at the local Red Cross. I've also been known to give away my age in CDs to people that sign up for my birthday blood-letting festivities. Each year my birthday party gets bigger and bigger. I plan to continue my birthday tradition and hope for more donor turnout each year.

I've been donating since I was in high school. What started as a way to get out of class became a life-long calling. I have over 6 gallons to my name... something that makes me very proud. Everyone has their passion... the Red Cross just happens to be one of mine. How many times do you get to say "I saved a life today"... well actually... According to the Red Cross, you get the opportunity every 56 days :-)

McCafferty Design
Peggy is wonder woman. She's my hero. She provides a beautiful cyber presence for my music. This entire website was designed and created by her hands alone. The html emails you receive letting you know when and where I'm playing... Yep, all Peggy's hard work. I'm not a very subservient person who puts people on a pedestal easily, but she has earned her title... I am down on my knees for my beloved WEBMASTER.

Kurt Hettle Photography
For those of you who have perused the Rose Festival photos, you can see his talent for capturing a moment. If you want to see an even more impressive selection of his photography check out his site. Kurt is extremely personable and professional, but of all his qualities, I believe his greatest asset is his lovability.

Michael Meanwhile
Nick Drake, meets Duncan Sheik, meets John Mayer, meets... je ne sais quoi. His music and voice are like butta. In an attempt not to alienate all my other talented musician friends, I will leave it at that.

Big Wheel Productions
Many can say they put their heart and soul into music, but a rare few put their time and money into it. Trevor has bravely tread into the professional realm of the music industry. Whether a promotions resource for bands or a resource for music lovers to hear about upcoming shows, Trevor's work is much appreciated.

Central City Concern
This is a non-profit organization for the homeless. This program is NOT a band-aid. They offer a true SOLUTION to the issues of homelessness. They work to build self-sufficiency in the individuals they serve. This program doesn't stop at a blanket, some soup and a place to crash. It goes far beyond this temporary assistance and dives into mental/emotional health, chemical dependency recovery, housing, education, career building, etc. Please learn more about this program and see how we can make a huge, positive and permanent solution in someone's life.

Scott "Scooter" Smith, Sound Engineer
I've had the pleasure of working with Scott on 3 albums. He has an amazing ear for detail. His ideas and input are priceless. Thanks to Scott, my audio visions were manifested into real tracks. Aside from his professional experience and ability, he has been an incredible coach, mentor, and inspiration to me throughout my recording projects. The mere fact that I never get sick of him despite the incredibly long grueling hours for back-to-back weeks of recording sessions is proof of my love and respect for him.

See Joy's pussy eat corn on the cob!

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